nutritional knowledge, attitude, and practice of general physicians toward the management of metabolic syndrome in tehran

Background: despite the dramatic increase in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (mets) in iran, nutrition therapy has not been adequately addressed in primary care settings. objectives: this study aimed at investigating the nutritional knowledge, attitude, and practice of general physicians (gps) toward the management of mets. methods: this cross-sectional study was conducted in july 2019 in tehran. participants (n = 500) were recruited among gps working in health centers and completed self-administered questionnaires, which included four sections: (i) six questions regarding demographic characteristics; (ii) six questions about knowledge on mets; (iii) ten questions on nutritional attitude toward the management of mets, and (iv) a case study designed to assess the nutritional practice of gps. results: incorrect responses in knowledge on the definition of mets and its risk factors and complications were over 60%. in addition, their attitude and practice toward the details of macronutrient and micronutrient intakes in the prevention and treatment of mets were inadequate. conclusions: inadequate knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding nutrition is an obstacle for providing optimum nutritional counseling by gps.